HMX Jammy vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Jammy and the SP-Star Duck. The HMX Jammy is a linear switch best known for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, offering a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck is a tactile switch known for its subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. While the Jammy provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Duck offers a gentle tactility that can enhance typing feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
57g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the HMX Jammy and SP-Star Duck feature housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Jammy's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, providing a clear and resonant sound experience. While the Jammy's nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile during typing, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharpness and clarity of the sound produced.
One key difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The Jammy's nylon top housing continues to enhance the deep and full sound profile, while the Duck's polycarbonate top housing adds a higher-pitched and crisper sound quality to the switch's typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a suitable choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the overall design. Despite these differences, both nylon and polycarbonate contribute to creating unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Jammy and SP-Star Duck housing materials boils down to personal preference. While the Jammy's nylon housing offers a softer and more absorbent typing experience with a duller sound profile, the Duck's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound with a crisper feel. However, both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound profiles, demonstrating the importance of considering the characteristics of each material when selecting a switch for a keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Jammy is the lighter option with an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, whereas the Duck is slightly heavier with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The Jammy offers a consistent force throughout the keystroke, while the Duck provides a tactile bump for added feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Duck offers a slightly longer keystroke compared to the Jammy. In terms of preference, gamers may lean towards the Jammy for its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more robust and deeper typing experience may opt for the Duck with its longer travel distance. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, with the Jammy offering a quicker actuation and the Duck providing a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired feel while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for providing a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of uses. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, so individual preferences will also play a role in the perceived sound quality.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy switch lacks specific descriptors in the provided information. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as mild, buttery, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes. These qualities make the Duck switch approachable and comfortable for most users, thanks to its safe middle-ground characteristics and refined finish.
Taking all the available information into account, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jammy switch provides a deeply satisfying typing experience with a softer tactile response, while the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile feel with a clean and crispy sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, as both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing comfort and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams and a muted yet satisfying typing experience, the Jammy switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lower bottom out force of 58 grams and a more subtle tactile typing experience with clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific feel and sound profile that you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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